Genealogy and History Fan

The American Civil War took over 600,00 lives and led to over 1,000,000 casualties. The war officially began on April 12, 1861. It lasted four long years where father fought son, brother fought brother and neighbor fought neighbor.

My second great-uncle, James Anthony Brown of Jackson County Indiana enlisted August 11, 1862 in Captain Ralph Applewhite’s K Company. This was the 67^th Regiment of the Indiana Volunteer Infantry. From September 14 -17 1862, the regiment was at the battle of Mumfordville, Kentucky. The regiment was captured on September 17^th but was paroled and sent to Indianapolis to reorganize. The 67^th went on to fight battles in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. The 67^th lost one officer and 52 enlistees to wounds. Two officers and 194 men died from disease. Sadly James Anthony Brown died March 25, 1862 of a staph infection at the Washington Military Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Back in Indiana, James’ wife Jemima Johnson Brown waited at home with their four month old son and five other children. According to family stories, when word came of James’ death, Jemima “took to her bed” to die also. While in this depressed state, their house caught on fire. She was carried from the house in her bed sheets. It was reported that she sat on a nearby hillside and watched her house burn to the ground. Jemima did recover and raised her children on the government pension she received of $16.00 a month. Jemima remained in Jackson County where she died at the age of 81.

James and Jemima’s story is just one example of why the Civil War has been called the bloodiest and saddest war in American history.

“We here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that the government by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” ( portion of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address given November 19, 1863.)

Genealogy tip:  If your immigrant ancestor served in the Civil War he automatically became a U.S. citizen without going through the naturalization process.

Read the following article to find out what makes up a family history.

Getting Started With Genealogy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrea_H._Burke]Andrea H. Burke

The word genealogy brings to mind a Bible page, mementos or an
obituary, especially when a close relative passes away. A
dictionary definition reads: A record of the ancestry and
descent of a person.

Today, it’s family history, instead of just genealogy. Family
history is about people who lived, worshipped, and toiled to
make our world better than theirs.

These things are what make up a “Family History”, a complete
accounting of their lives, their times and their ways; things
which make each of us unique, and individual. Taken together,
they create the ‘glue’ which holds us together in family ties.

So they are no longer “just” the donors of our unique DNA, or
the building blocks of our biology, they are part of us in a way
that no other small group of people could be- even adopted
children become a real part of our family by taking on family
characteristics.

Begin now to write your own unique history, including you, your
parents and grandparents. Ask questions, find names in Bibles,
legal papers or journals; keep dated news clips and certificates
too.

A local Family History Library can help you get started with a
free computer program; this will help you by grouping fathers,
mothers and children together. It will have a place for notes,
sources, and other important information, like maiden names.

Generally the next step is to search census records as they
list every member in each household. Keeping notes and filing
is important, especially when you get large amounts of
information.

A good way is to use a small tape recorder and record
conversations with grandparents and older family members; it can
be transcribed later and printed. Military records are online
and are great sources of information, and it’s all free at your
local Family History Library (just look in the telephone book).

Next, write your history. It’s a good idea to present the
family information in story form, following the generations as
they move from place to place. Your computer will store
information and pictures of family members along with the
written history and charts. The genealogy programs available
today have places for pictures of each individual. Or you can
print, copy or have them professionally published.

However you decide to do it, your history will be cherished by
your children and grandchildren; they’ll know who they are,
they’ll develop pride and self-confidence as they read about the
accomplishments of their own predecessors.

Andrea Holycross Burke, genealogist/consultant with the Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah. Affiliate with the website Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness [http://www.raogk.org]www.raogk.org; submitter to [http://www.findagrave.com]www.findagrave.com and [http://www.Rootsweb.com]www.Rootsweb.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_H._Burke http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Started-With-Genealogy&id=301909

Take steps now to insure that your family knows “from whence they came.”

“In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage - to know who we are and where we came from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness.” Alex Haley 1921-1992

As  tax day, April 15^th draws near taxes are on many people’s minds. Did you know that the average person works 2 ½ hours everyday just to pay that day’s share of taxes? Taxes have no doubt been a “sore point” for ages.

The theme “no taxation without representation”, had been heard in Boston as early as 1753. But it took 23 more frustrating years for things to begin to change. Was the high tax on the Colonist’s beloved tea “the straw that broke the camel’s back”? Actually, the tax was on all British imports, but the main point was that the colonies had no representatives in Parliament. Something had to be done, so a relatively small group of men took action and dumped a huge shipment of tea.

There are some events that took place during the historic time when America was declaring its independence from England that are so historic, so iconic that they have taken on the status of myth and legend as much as history. And certainly the Boston Tea Party fits that description. .

But the events of December 16, 1776 were not fable or myth but real and important parts of the development of the American Revolution that was crucial to the early foundation of this country. The situation of taxation that was being imposed by England on goods that were coming into the colonies was one of serious stress on the colonists because they had no control over those taxes.

Finally, it was time for the colonists to make a statement that this unethical and immoral use of taxes on tea was for all intents and purposes an act of war and they were going to treat it as such. Badly disguised as Indians, the brave colonists boarded the HMS Dartmouth and her sister ships, the HMS Beaver and the HMS Eleanor and skillfully and efficiently dumped the entire delivery of tea into Boston harbor. All totaled, over forty five tons of tea went into the water that night.

This event was pivotal in pushing the hostilities between England and the colonies past the “nuisance” stage and setting forces in motion for war. But more than that, it was such a bold statement of defiance that many colonists were inspired to join the increasing chorus calling for war and independence.

For loyal Britains, the idea of separating and forming their own country was hard to grasp. But the leadership of the men who planned and executed the Boston Tea Party demonstrated a new independent spirit. This was the kind of backbone, the sense of pride and independence that was to come to define the American spirit in years ahead. But it took the courage and boldness of this little band of men to demonstrate that being trod on by a foreign tyrant was not something we had to put up with.

It made a statement to England and showed the colonists that revolution was possible and they really could think of themselves as free people who would bow to no king. From that time forward the independence of America was inevitable. These visionary leaders showed us an America that gave power to its people, not to kings or governments. The result in how America works and how our lives are lived is the direct outcome of bold protests such as the Boston Tea Party.

My 5^th great grandfather, Peter Miller, according to family stories was one of the 300 members of the Boston Tea Party. He was a coppersmith in Boston before joining the fight for independence.

How grateful I am for men (and women) who have stood up and made a positive difference for all of us. May we remember and honor their lives and accomplishments.

PPPPP 727

From the following article we learn some of the reasons why people trace their family history. Ready this for some interesting ideas.

What is Genealogy?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Javier_Colayco]Javier Colayco

Genealogy, generally defined, is the study of one’s ancestry. However, in actuality, genealogy is much more involved and interesting than its general definition lets on.

When you begin studying genealogy, you realize just how much interesting information your family history can reveal. Genealogy can shed light on where your ancestors came from, where they lived, what they did for a living, who they married and what property they owned.

Almost everyone, whether they realize it or not, has participated in some form of genealogy activity. In grade school, did you ever make a family tree? That’s genealogy! Genealogy can be as simple as making a record of your family tree from you to your great grandparents or as complex as tracing your entire lineage back to ancient times.

The history of genealogy dates back to the Old Testament of The Bible. In the very first book, the Book of Genesis, we see a family’s bloodline narrated and the importance of genealogy. The New Testament would later also reflect the importance of genealogy in religion and society. Both the Books of Matthew and Luke outline the genealogy of Jesus of Nazareth.

But The Bible is not the only written record that lends credence to the importance of genealogy. Throughout history we find records of disputes, murders and even wars where genealogy played a part in the story. Ties to royalty, rights to inheritances and eligibility for rulership are all tied to a person’s heritage, and genealogy provides the map that illustrates who has right to what claims.

There are a number of instances throughout history in which genealogy played an important role as certain dramas unfolded before humanity. From something as significant as the lineage of Jesus of Nazareth to something as modernly-trivial as the true father of Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, genealogy has oftentimes been at the forefront as history played itself out.

Genealogy also played a large role in England’s historical claim to the throne of France. King Edward III was a Norman-French descendant. When his uncle, Charles IV of France, passed away Edward tried to lay claim to the French throne.

He tried convincing the powers that be that even though his mother could not lay claim to the throne because she was a woman, she could pass on the bloodline’s right to the throne, making him the rightful ruler of France. Of course, the descendants of the male side of the bloodline didn’t agree and the argument eventually led to the Hundred Year’s War.

England and France aren’t the only countries to have disputes over who would be the rightful heir of a throne because of genealogy. Rowena’s, Byzantium, Portugal, and even ancient Egypt all have histories that are rich in bloodline disputes.

Genealogy finds aren’t all ancient history. Modern genealogy issues have hit the media recently. Al Sharpton’s recent discovery is proof of the ironies that genealogy may uncover. Mr. Sharpton, who earlier this year stated that he might run for president in 2008, recently discovered through genealogy research that his great-grandfather was a slave owned by none other than Senator Strom Thurman’s great-great-grandfather. In fact, the two may be related by blood.

Then, of course, there are the less-significant genealogy disputes that don’t have nearly as much importance as some of these historical and political events, but they get enough media coverage to make them world famous. The true family tree of Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter is just one instance. Perhaps this dispute over lineage wasn’t historically significant, but it appears that many found it to be a topic of intense interest.

There are a number of reasons why people pursue genealogy. From something as simple as a mild interest in one’s family history to something as significant as trying to find the parts of a broken family and piece them back together, the reasons for studying genealogy are numerous.

Genealogy can help a person get in touch with who they really are. You can find out who your ancestors were, what they did, where they lived, and more. By tracing your roots, you not only learn about those in your bloodline who have gone before you, but you can research and gain an understanding of these members of your family that you never had the chance to meet.

While genealogy doesn’t always dig up buried treasure, it is indeed a possibility. Did you have a rich great uncle who died without any heirs? One you never knew about? If you did, genealogy could help you uncover the details that would help you claim what was rightfully yours.

There have been times throughout history when extreme circumstances split families apart. World War II, for instance, tore brother from sister and mother from child. Genealogy is a tool that can help piece broken families back together and thousands of people have done just that.

Sometimes genealogy is just plain fun. Wouldn’t it be exciting to find out you were a distant cousin of a famous celebrity, or that your great-great-great-great grandfather was a king? Many times genealogy can uncover interesting and exciting facts about a person’s family tree.

Genealogy, while always important, didn’t experience such a widespread explosion in popularity until the advent of the Internet. Gone are the days when researching your family tree meant running from one public records facility to the next, hoping you could find missing pieces to the puzzle by mailing away for information that might never arrive.

With more and more public records being made available online, priceless genealogy information is just a mouse click away and easier than ever to create a fluid family tree. Its no wonder millions of Internet users have started tracing their family lines on the Web. What used to take years to accomplish can now be done in a matter of days or weeks.

With genealogy becoming more and more popular and advanced genealogy tools now so readily available, there really hasn’t been a better time to get involved. Whether you only want to trace your family history back a few generations or you want to see just how far back you can climb up your family tree, the genealogy tools now available will make the process faster, more efficient and much more enjoyable.

Javier Colayco is the founder of TribalJunction.com ( http://www.tribaljunction.com), a site that makes it easy to create a family tree and find distant relatives. With additional features like group email, customizable user profiles and more, Tribal Junction also helps families keep in touch.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Javier_Colayco http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Genealogy?&id=839230

Recently we learned that Barack Obama is distantly related to six presidents and to Brad Pitt. Hillary Clinton is distantly related to Angelina Jolie, Camilla Parker-Boles and Madonna. John McCain is a 6^th cousin of first lady Laura Bush. In my own genealogy, I have a President (Harry Truman) and an outlaw (Jesse James) from the same family line. You never know who might turn up in your family!

“Every man is a quotation from all his ancestors.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

In recent months leading up to the Primary elections, we heard much about Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the controversial retired minister of the church that Barack Obama had attended for 20 years. Some say it doesn’t really matter what Rev. Wright speaks from the pulpit. Could Wright’s views really have little or no influence on his parishioners? This current story reminds me of a very old family story that shows the great influence that one minister had on his congregation.

Rev. Peter Muhlenberg, a Lutheran Minister in Shenandoah County, Virginia was chosen to head a “Committee of Safety” on January 10, 1775. He began to enlist Germans and others in the Valley for what many called the “inevitable conflict”.

In the early morning of April 19, 1775 some 70 armed militiamen from Massachusetts fixed upon British guardsmen. This unordered attack which is known as “the shot heard around the world” was what officially began the American Revolution.

A few days later on April 23rd, Congress ordered 13,600 American soldiers to be mobilized. On May 15th, Congress placed the country in a “state of defense.” One month later George Washington was appointed by a unanimous vote to become the General and Commander-in-chief of the new Continental Army.

Meanwhile down in Virginia, Rev. Muhlenberg, preached his final sermon to his parishioners. He resigned as their minister and then threw off his robes. Underneath his robes was the uniform of a Colonel in the Continental Army (blue coat with yellow buttons worn over white breeches). He marched out of the church with the male members of the congregation following him to the recruiting office! We believe that one of our relatives, William Clevenger, was one of those men who was persuaded by his pastor, to sign up for the “cause of independence”.

I can imagine that the good Reverent on that day may have quoted Psalm 31:24 “Be ye of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

Col. Muhlenberg and his regiment served with Washington at Morristown, New Jersey where Muhlenberg was promoted to Brigadier-General. It has been reported that William Clevenger was also there at Morristown. William was later wounded at the battle of Monmouth.

Do you believe that some ministers of today are over-stepping their bounds? Do you believe they should espouse their political and “non-traditional” views from the pulpit? Has worshipping God, loving our neighbor and serving mankind been put on the back burner for some in this political year? Tell me what you think.

 Did you know that some perspective parents are paying baby name consultants large fees to help them decide on the perfect name?  Read the following article for some free and interesting advice for choosing a meaningful baby name. 

A Meaningful Baby Name

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marie_Wilson]Marie Wilson

Having a baby is one of the most moving and meaningful moments in the life of a parent. Just think, when you go through the big changes that bringing a child into the world entails, your names change forever from the first name your parents gave you to “Mommy” and “Daddy”. In a lot of cases you and your spouse will even get in the habit of calling each other by those names which can become a habit for the rest of your lives, or at least until your names change again to “Grandma” and “Grandpa”.

So it’s not uncommon to want to give your newborn child a name that is rich with meaning as well. Most of the common names that reach great popularity do have a history that may go back centuries in cultures from around the world. So by finding a good book of baby names or a web site such as babynamesworld, you can have some fun looking for names that have special meaning.

However, in reality, you have to wonder how meaningful that name will be to your child. If you took 50 children into a room and asked them to tell the meaning of their names, you would probably be looking at 50 blank stares. And when it comes down to it, western people really don’t think about the origins or original meanings of their names. It is more a trivia game to know that Jane means God is gracious or that Alexander means defender of men or that George means earth worker or that Erin means from Ireland. It is hardly something that will form the character of a child.

So to select a baby name that is meaningful in a genuine way, its best to connect the name to something the child will come to value as he or she grows up. That is why giving your child the name of a revered grandparent or someone from family history is very meaningful. Despite the fact that sometimes they don’t act like it, family is important to children and if they feel a connection to their family history that gives them validation and meaning.

Similarly using your child’s name as a connection to their legacy can be very meaningful to a child. In ancient cultures, a child is born into a village that may have been there for centuries. There is a sense of national identity and social value that comes just from being “a Frenchmen”, “A German” or “An Irishman”. And even though in modern cultures there is patriotic pride, a connection to a child’s ethnic origins can have deep meaning for them over time. And a child’s name can have very rich ethnic meaning to him or her.

There are many sources of meaning that can make the naming of your child an event that touches something bigger and better than the child or even the family. Giving the little one the name of a famous figure from history or popular culture can provide a connection to an inspirational leader. Reagan, Kennedy, Lincoln or Washington are first names for both boys and girls that connect to leaders in our culture that have changed things for the better.

Biblical names or names from religious history have a similar power to put deeper meaning behind the name of a young person. Or if your family has a great appreciation for the arts, names from the world of painting, film making or music can also reflect your admiration for the greats of that genre and connect your child to that world in a very natural way.

Once you open up the world of meaningful baby names, you may have trouble narrowing down just the right name for your child. Use normal common sense when using a meaningful name such as how well the name works with your last name and whether the name will be pronounceable and workable in an every day sort of way as well.

But by adding layers of meaning to the name of your child, you provide history, culture, family connection and role models whose shoes any child would do well to grow into and in a way, you are starting the task of molding that child to live up to that meaningful name in their future as well. And that is a good calling for any young person to live up to.

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I view a lot of census records and other historical records and I often wonder why some people would name a precious baby such a name as Hogg Rhodes, Envy Burger or Tuna N. Fish. These names were on 1930 U.S. census records. Have you found an unusual name in your research? I would love to hear some more “rare ones”. Send them to me please.

Make history come alive for your family by putting your ancestors in their rightful place in history. The following is a great article to get you started on your journey of discovery.

Finding Your Genealogy

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kadence_Buchanan]Kadence Buchanan

One activity that many families find rewarding and exciting is researching their genealogy. Who doesn’t want to know where they came from? Plus, if you research your roots back far enough, odds are that you could be surprised with some type of connection to a historical figure. While there are many sites that provide genealogy packages, doing the work yourself can really be rewarding when it comes to getting to know your relations.

First, when researching your genealogy, you should get some paperwork organized. You should create forms that you should distribute to the relatives that you know of that consist of places to fill in information regarding the births, deaths, marriages, and spouses of those that they know of in the family. Some people find it important to make the entries as complete as possible, listing family stories, occupations held, and other information about the entrants. You may also want to consider purchasing a program that helps you to log this information to ease the amount of paperwork that you will be doing. When you get information from a relation, be sure to ask them if they have any genealogical information that can help you in your hunt. Family bibles are one thing that can provide information about lineage that you may not be able to find elsewhere.

Once you seem to have reached the end of the paper trail when it comes to those that you can contact, you may want to turn your search towards census records. Census records have been around for almost the complete history of America, with censuses being conducted formally since 1790. These records can provide a wealth of information when it comes to finding relations that you may not know about due to the long length of time. Other sources of records for genealogy may include birth certificates, death certificates, adoption papers, divorce papers, and school records. Searching on the internet for your family name can also prove to be effective.

Now that you know the basics when it comes to finding your genealogy, indulge in it! Get your whole family in on the fun, it’s exciting for everybody to find out about their roots.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including [http://itsfamilytime.net/]Family, [http://letsdosomeyardwork.com/]Gardening, and [http://yourealestatesource.com/]Real Estate

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You and your children or grandchildren can develop a meaningful and worthwhile hobby. You can learn together and grow together as you unravel your family heritage. It’s a great adventure awaiting you and your family!

What would it have been like to have been a medical patient in the early part of the 19th century?  Depending on your ailment you could have been blistered, bled,  purged and medicated with lead, mercury and opium. Never the less, this time period has been dubbed “the golden age of medicine”. The title was earned because of the great strides in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and surgical procedures. For example, the stethoscope was invented in 1819 by a French physician, Rene Laennec. A number of illnesses were discovered and named after the physicians who discovered them. Some of the most well known are Addison’s, Bright’s, Hodgkins, Parkinson’s, and Graves’, diseases.

There were very few medical schools in the United States in the early 1800’s. Most physicians learned their trade as apprentices to established physicians. Some who had the means, went to Europe or to India to study medicine. As interest in medical training increased, more U. S. medical schools were created.

It is reported that ether was discovered for it’s anaesthetic effects in 1842 by Crawford Long. It seems that doctors and medical students at the time were inhaling ether at parties. Dr. Long observed that those men, after inhaling, didn’t feel pain if they fell, were cut, or hurt in any way. Soon Dr. Long performed surgery on a friend who Long insisted inhale ether before the operation. The successful operation was performed pain free! This began a new era for doctors and their patients.

However by the mid 1800’s, there still were very few U. S. hospitals. Less than 300 were scattered throughout the country. Most were located in large cities and were primarily for the mentally ill. Hospitals had a bad reputation and were a place to be avoided. Most patients chose, when at all possible, to be treated by their own doctors in their own homes.

My 4^th great uncle, Dr, Samuel A. Wort (1791-1863), was a physician and surgeon. He practiced medicine in Brownstown, Indiana for over 40 years. He helped form The Jackson County Indiana Medical Society in 1851, and was elected their first president. One of their goals was “the cultivation and advancement of medical science and literature and the elevation of the standard of professional education”.

In 1854 Dr. Sam wrote a rather extensive paper concerning the misunderstood and dreaded disease Cholera. He noted that he had first become acquainted with Cholera while in Calcutta in 1816. He described the different types of Cholera, symptoms, and treatments. After reading this article I certainly could see why Cholera was so horrible and dreaded. A person could feel fine in the morning but be dead by evening from the worse cases of Cholera.

Dr. Sam had 6 wives (4 died) and 9 children. He also found time to own and run a hotel!

He publicly cautioned the citizens of Jackson County against taking too many patent medicines. He said they can irritate the bowels, tax the liver, and destroy health. He further stated that these medicines give much business to doctors - to the great detriment of the community! It seems that Dr. Wort wasn’t afraid to say what he believed.  I’m glad to be related to a caring man who devoted most of his life to helping others.

Webster’s dictionary defines a tradition as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or social custom). It can also be the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another.

Each of us belongs to a family and our family traditions help determine who we are. These traditions create positive feelings and keep family members close as they spend time together. Our family traditions often provide us our best memories of our families. It has been said that if you see a strong family, you will likely find they have strong family traditions.

Some traditions can be as simple as always having pizza on Friday nights. Other traditions may occur at certain times of the year. For example, every August we always went to the County Fair as a family. During the Christmas season we always took several evenings to drive around our area to see the lights and decorations. On Christmas Eve we always read the Christmas Story from the Book of Luke.

These times together help family members to feel more secure, and more unified and loyal to each other. In today’s fast paced and ever-changing world, it is even more important to firmly establish and maintain family traditions.

Some families find that at least once a year they have to leave their hectic lives behind and take their family to a special setting. This special setting could be any place that the whole family enjoys going. For some families it might be a cabin on a lake, an ocean side retreat, or a mountain trek. Other families may have a favorite theme park that they look forward to visiting each year. The list of great places to visit could be endless.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every family could have a special getaway! I hope your family has treasured and established traditions that will always keep you connected. May 2008 be a banner year for keeping and even making great new family traditions.

When my husband and I were newly married we rented a small apartment in our hometown, Terre Haute, Indiana. Our landlord told us to be prepared to have twins. He said he had rented to quite a few young couples through the years and that each couple who lived there had twins.

The next year I gave birth to one baby girl. My husband called our landlord to give him our news. He was very surprised and probably disappointed to hear that we only had one baby. But he said that he was still confident that we would have twins in the future.

We soon were able to move to a home. Our now former landlord told us to call him as soon as we had our twins. I told him I didn’t think I would ever have twins, but we would let him know if by chance I did. Lo and behold, 14 months later my husband called him to announce that I had given birth to identical twin boys! At the time they were the largest twins to have been born at Union Hospital in Terre Haute (7lbs 2ozs & 7lbs 10ozs).

Identical twins occur in about 1 in 250 births. We soon found out that our twins were also  mirror image. This results from a late spilt of the fertilized egg. It is a rather rare happening in humans. So my boys are a rare breed in many outstanding ways!

But what mattered most to our former landlord was that we had not broken the tradition! He said we could thank his apartment for our twins. I’m not sure about that, but I am very thankful for my twin boys and my two daughters who thoughtfully came one at a time.

I hope to hear from anyone who had larger twins or ones that are mirror image.